MADELINE F. SCHMIDT-MOOTZ

Madeline F. Schmidt-Mootz, 85 of Lakota, ND formerly of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Saturday morning, July 26, 2014 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center, Lakota, ND. A very special thank you to the staff of the Lakota Good Samaritan for the special care given to our beloved Madeline. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Father Matthew Kraemer celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Madeline Frances, a twin daughter of Peter and Veronica (Spillman) Michels was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1928 on the family farm at Calio, ND. She grew up and was educated at a country school in the Calio area. Along with helping on the family farm, she worked as a hired girl in Langdon for several years. Madeline was united in marriage to Lee Schmidt on August 8, 1950 at Calio. They lived in Calio for a time, then moved to Langdon and later Wales, ND. In the mid 1960’s they moved to Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their family. Lee died on August 10, 1977. First and foremost, Madeline was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She also worked as a Sales Associate at Glickson’s Department Store for 25 years until the store closed. She continued in the retail clothing business at the Fashion Boutique until her retirement. Madeline was married to Donald Mootz on July 9, 1999 and they made their home in Devils Lake. Donald died on January 10, 2014. Madeline was a very active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Infant of Prague Circle. She also enjoyed membership in VFW Auxiliary. She was an excellent cook and baker, gardener and especially enjoyed tending her flowers. Spending time with family and friends was such an important part of her life and those get-togethers many times included playing cards, bowling and dancing. What joy and love, Madeline brought to her entire family and her many dear friends. What special memories we will cherish always. Madeline is survived by her children, Barbara (George) Eidsness, Fort Lupton, CO, Antoinette (Douglas) Becker, Crary, ND, Linda (Lance) Willis, St. Peters, MO, Mary (Pat) Knoll, Fort Collins, CO, Kurt (Donna) Schmidt, Forest Lake, MN, Karla (Jady) Hoffner, West Fargo, ND, Michael Schmidt, also West Fargo and son-in-law Randy Britzman, Washington State; eighteen grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; sister Evelyn (Laurel) Stoxen, Safford, AZ; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Elizabeth “Betty” Britzman; husbands Lee Schmidt and Don Mootz; granddaughter Michelle Reindahl; great grandson Alden Eidsness; siblings Bertha (Bill) Schneider, Aloys (Clara) Michels, Anthony “Tony” Michels, Mary (George) Rohde, Ernest (Lois) Michels, Rose Ann (Fred) Phillips, twins Leonard and Leo Michels, Mathilda Michels, Wilfred Michels and Madeline’s twin Irene (Ed) Lothspeich. Casket Bearers for Madeline will be her grandsons Cory Schmidt, Kelly Schmidt, Ryan Becker, Landon Willis, Kris Eidsness and great grandson Aven Lyons. Gift Bearers will be her granddaughters and the Lector is Evelyn Stoxen. Music will be provided by Marla Luehring and Audrey Myklebust.